Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel, Cape Town Celebrates a Trio of Prestigious Global Honours

THE NELLIE’S ENDURING CHARM EARNS WORLDWIDE ACCLAIM WITH AWARDS FROM MICHELIN KEYS, CONDÉ NAST TRAVELLER AND THE WORLD’S 50 BEST HOTELS

Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town, proudly celebrates a season of international recognition with three major accolades that affirm its position as one of the world’s leading hotels. For over 125 years, the hotel has stood as a landmark of heritage and timeless hospitality. Today, the city’s beloved “Pink Lady” adds to its legacy, having received three major international honours that further cement its place on the global stage.

Condé Nast Traveller (UK) Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 placed Mount Nelson 2nd in the ‘Africa: Eastern & Southern’ category and the top city hotel in the region. Voted by readers around the world, the accolade reflects the enduring affection travellers hold for Cape Town’s most celebrated sanctuary.

Mount Nelson has also been honoured with Two Michelin Keys, one of the highest distinctions in the newly introduced Michelin Hotel Keys for South Africa. The award recognises the hotel’s ‘exceptional hospitality and unique character’ and marks a historic milestone for the country’s luxury hospitality sector. 

Rounding off the trio of accolades, Mount Nelson has been named No.73 in The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 Extended List, distinguishing it as the only African hotel to feature among the 51 – 100 ranking. The announcement underscores Mount Nelson’s standing as a global icon of hospitality and cultural excellence, joining fellow Belmond properties among the world’s finest.

“These honours are a remarkable affirmation of the dedication and care that define Mount Nelson,” says Patrick Fisher, General Manager. “For over a century, The Nellie has been a place where heritage and heart meet, and where guests experience not just the beauty of Cape Town, but the warmth of its people. To receive recognition from esteemed institutions, like Condé Nast Traveller, Michelin and The World’s 50 Best Hotels, is a moment of immense pride for our entire Team. It’s wonderful to stand among the world’s best.”

As Mount Nelson continues to evolve with exciting new openings, including Amura by Ángel León and the THEBE MAGUGU SUITE and MAGUGU HOUSE CAPE TOWN, these accolades mark a defining moment in the hotel’s unfolding story, highlighting the slow luxury travel experiences that live within its pink walls.

ABOUT MOUNT NELSON, A BELMOND HOTEL, CAPE TOWN 

Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town, first opened in 1899 and has been affectionately known by locals as ‘The Nellie’ ever since. Nestled in the heart of the city between Table Mountain and the Company’s Garden, the legendary property is framed by craggy coastlines, expansive beaches, and verdant winelands, while just steps away from the urban cool of Kloof Street. Steeped in history, it has welcomed famed guests including John Lennon, David Bowie, and Nelson Mandela, and its iconic façade was first painted pink in 1918 as a lasting symbol of peace and joy. Mount Nelson is home to 198 rooms and suites, including Signature Suites such as the Strelitzia and Honeysuckle.

Soon to debut is the THEBE MAGUGU SUITE – a creative collaboration with acclaimed South African fashion designer Thebe Magugu – alongside MAGUGU HOUSE CAPE TOWN, a creative concept store dedicated to cultural exchange. Spread across seven wings and set within nine acres of lush gardens, the estate is a serene sanctuary in the heart of Cape Town, complete with two tennis courts, two heated pools, and a spa housed in a heritage building. Its dining offering ranges from world‑famous Afternoon Tea and Mediterranean‑inspired dishes at The Fountain by Planet Bar, to Pan‑Asian cuisine at The Red Room and relaxed poolside fare at Oasis. In December 2025, the hotel will debut Amura by Ángel León, led by the three‑Michelin‑starred chef celebrated for his groundbreaking Spanish restaurant Aponiente.  

About belmond

Belmond was born from a passion for connecting discerning travellers with the world’s most remarkable properties, locations and journeys. From hotels and trains to river cruises and safaris, Belmond curates incomparable experiences and crafts unforgettable stories. With a legacy spanning over 45 years, since the acquisition of Hotel Cipriani in Venice in 1976, Belmond has grown into a global collection of 47 properties spread across 28 countries and territories. Exceptional destinations connected by legendary journeys are the very soul of Belmond, where the path that brings you to a place is as important as the destination itself.

As a pioneer of slow travel, Belmond has been operating the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express since 1982. The group later expanded to include pristine beach resorts, such as Maroma on the Riviera Maya, historic hideaways such as Villa San Michele in the Florentine foothills, urbane icons, such as Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, and gateways to UNESCO world heritage sites, such as Hotel das Cataratas in Brazil’s Iguassu National Park.

As proud custodians of storied properties, Belmond is committed to building on the past to create a new legacy: the heritage of the future. Working with communities and local talents, together with the world’s most respected chefs, designers and artists, Belmond continues its purpose of perpetuating the legendary art of travel. Since 2019, Belmond has been part of the world’s leading luxury group, LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton).